Ireland and Stoke City target Martin O’Neill are locked in a marriage of convenience

O'Neill has been linked with several Premier League clubs, most recently StokeBRYAN KEANE/INPHO

The marriage has become a little strained, which often happens when a third party enters, or rather, tries to enter the relationship.

This week it is Stoke City’s turn. Late last year, it was Everton who fluttered their eyelids, around the same time West Bromwich Albion acted flirtatiously. And before that it was West Ham United, all of whom swiped right after studying the managerial profile of a 65-year-old with interests such as organised defences and a big man up top.

Earlier in his life, the suitors were a lot more attractive. Liverpool, at one point, were supposedly interested, so too Leeds United, at a time when they weren’t a cautionary tale. But these days, the clubs getting in touch are closer to the bottom…

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